Govt ready to help evacuate Indians stuck in Iraq

Agencies, New Delhi
The Government today said it was ready for any contingency to help Indians out of strife-torn Iraq.

Ministry of External Affairs said funds have been provided to 46 Indian nurses in Iraq.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Sawarj took stock of the situation in Iraq and its impact on the region at a meeting of top envoys from the Gulf countries which was also attended by ambassadors of the Gulf countries posted in India.

India has about 10,000 of its nationals in Iraq and a little less than hundred in the conflict zone in the country, including the 39 hostages kidnapped about 15 days ago. Moreover, there were 46 nurses stranded in a hospital in Tikrit city where fighting was going on.

Briefing mediapersons here on Ms Swaraj’s meeting with ambassadors of Gulf countries on the situation in Iraq, MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said, ‘’The focus of the meeting was on what was the assessment of our ambassadors in the region, how they view the situation in Iraq. The meeting was also on assistance they (Gulf ambassadors) can provide to Indian nationals from their states.’’

Talking about Indians in Iraq, Mr Akbaruddin said the 39 Indians in Mosul were still held in captivity.

He said, ‘’There are new mobile units now in Baghdad moving around in suburbs, vicinity to reach out to Indian community. The numbers are 00964-7704444899 and 00964-7704843247.’’

The government of India has also provided financial funds to the nurses in Tikrit, he said.

‘’Some shortage of funds was faced by 46 nurses in Iraq, we have provided those funds. They remain safe. We are in touch with them,’’ Mr Akbaruddin informed.